From The Pastor‘s Desk:
As a young family living in Burlington, Vermont, we attended a Methodist Church which had a very clever Stewardship Committee. Like a lot of churches, we struggled with getting enough contributions by the members to cover expenses. We struggled with getting enough nursery workers and Sunday School teachers. We seemed to always have an abundance of people to come out for church social functions but only a handful would attend business meetings.
One year, the Stewardship Committee came up with the clever idea of having buttons made up with only one word printed on them: TUIT. When a person made a commitment to support the church financially (we filled out pledge/commitment cards), or to teach a Sunday School class, or to serve in the nursery or on a committee, they were given a button and asked to wear it to church. When other people saw the button and asked what it stood for, the wearer would explain, It’s a round tuit. When it comes to serving the Lord in the church, I’m finally getting a round tuit. Everyone got the point, and pretty soon practically the whole church was wearing a button. We saw an increase in giving and also many of the unfilled positions on committees and tasks in the church were staffed.
1 Peter 4:10 says, Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Too often we rely on someone else to do the job in the church we are equipped to do and should be doing. We expect someone else to sing in the holiday choir, or to serve in the nursery, or to chair a team or committee, or to support the church financially. But in doing so, we’re missing out on the tremendous joy there is in worshipping and working together in the Body of Christ.
Don’t you think it’s time to get a round tuit?
Serving Christ,
Pastor Jay
There are three kinds of people in the world: those who don‘t know what‘s happening, those who watch what‘s happening, and those who make things happen. – Nicholas Murray Butler, former president Columbia University
UPCOMING EVENT
SAVE THE DATE!
Please join us on Sunday, November 15, 2009 for a special Recognition Luncheon in honor of Mike Wilson and Stephanie Layton. The luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the morning service and there is no charge. Make your plans now to stay and fellowship with us as we honor Mike and Stephanie, for their years of service and invaluable contributions to our Cambridge family.
CAMBRIDGE ELDERBERRIES
Elderberries November Monthly Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, November 6 @ 12:00 noon in the Fellowship Hall at church. Please bring a covered dish of your choice to share, beverages and bread will be provided by the luncheon team.
Following lunch Mr. Al Allen will entertain us with a varied program of songs. Al loves singing, has sung in choirs, barbershop groups, amateur theater and individual performances. He and his wife, Arletta moved to the Richmond area from Vermont to be closer to their family.
We invite you to come and bring a friend or neighbor to join us for this fellowship time. Please contact either Linda Trent or Rita Gregory, if you plan to attend.
Operation Gratitude deadline is Sunday, November 8. Please complete your scarves and/or gaiters and place them on the rack in the Commons Area or give them to Geneva Mitchell. Also, we are asking everyone in our church family to take the time to write a note or sign a Christmas card for our troops serving our Country . Either one of these gestures from you will warm the heart of a service person during the holidays. Thank you for your participation.
Gaither Band Concert on November 13 @ 7:00 p.m. If you do not already have a ticket and would like to join us, please go out on the internet and purchase your ticket through TicketMaster and then let Geneva Mitchell know if you would like to ride the church bus with the Elderberries group.
THE CAMBRIDGE FAMILY NIGHT MINISTRY
Wednesday Night Fellowship & Dinner will be featuring the following menu entrée selections for the month of November:
November 4 – Pancakes with Bacon & Sausage
November 11 – Fried Chicken
November 21 – Ham (Thanksgiving Dinner)
November 28 – No Dinner Provided ~Thanksgiving Service @ 7:00 p. m.
Reservations are preferred each week by filling out a reservation form located in the bulletin on the tear off section and placing it into the offering plate on Sundays or calling the church office by 12:00 noon on Tuesdays. The cost for a meal will remain $2.00 per child ages 3 thru 11, $4.00 per person ages 12 and up and $10.00 maximum per family.
We invite each of you within our church to come and bring a friend, neighbor or relative to have dinner and enjoy the fellowship time with us on Wednesday nights.
CHILDREN‘S MINISTRY
TEAMKID
Well, despite the outbreak of flu, fever and general yuk, October’s Bring Your Friend Night was a big success! We had four guests and a number of children invited friends who could not attend for various reasons.
The children were VERY excited to play the games that Terry Turner had for them and they did a beautiful job decorating the prayer journals that Megan and Terry Tusing had as their craft. Chad Stillwell provided the children’s message of being a friend and that you can always count on Jesus as your friend. Libby Benton once again provided snacks that were over the top. For those who did not get a bite of the ice cream cake, you missed out on a delicious treat!
A special thanks to Stephanie Layton for lining up our volunteers for the Nursery and Pre-School TeamKID. Finally, a BIG thank you to Kim Bowman, Dianne Bangham, Allison Jarrar, Joyce Layton, and Judy Offenback for pitching in at the last minute to supervise the nursery and Pre-school program.
CHILDREN‘S CHURCH
CHILDREN‘S CHURCH is in need of a volunteer to teach in the rotation and another volunteer to be the helper in the rotation. Please contact Michelle Banholzer.
NURSERY TEAM
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Due to illnesses and several other reasons, we continue to have a need for more Sunday morning nursery volunteers at worship time. Please prayerfully consider whether you are willing to help with this ministry, or if you are willing to serve more than you are already scheduled. Contact Barbara Lynch or Alaina DeHaven.
EVANGELISM
November is Evangelism Emphasis Month at Cambridge
Cambridge has designated November as Evangelism Emphasis Month, a time for emphasizing Sharing God‘s Love with our Neighbors Near and Far. Can you think of a better way to share God’s love with a neighbor whether someone living in the townhouses next to the church or in a remote village in the mountains of Peru than by introducing them to the Lord Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for our sin so that we might be able to spend eternity with God?
The focus of this month-long emphasis will be incorporating a heart for evangelism into our church culture, and to make this happen we will be working with Sunday School classes and other small groups and ministry groups within the church (Youth, Men’s & Women’s Ministries, Children’s Ministries, etc.). The Church was commissioned to Go and make disciples by our Lord Jesus Christ, but what happens all too often is that everybody’s job becomes nobody’s job. To remedy this, we want to incorporate evangelism into the life & activity of every class and/or small group. Specifically, we will be asking them to ask themselves:
Who do we know that needs to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
How can God, through His Holy Spirit, use us in that process?
We will begin to identify, pray for, and seek out ways to reach these people for Christ. We will be utilizing techniques & principles we learned in Just Walk Across the Room, and will be offering refresher / new trainings in the four session Just Walk Across the Room video study.
Randy Graham will kick off our evangelism emphasis with a special message on Sunday, Nov. 8th, and Pastor Jay will continue the emphasis in messages throughout the month. Information packages will be distributed in the near future to all Sunday School teachers and ministry and small group leaders, and Randy Graham will be following up individually with each teacher / leader to discuss how this can work for each class and/or ministry group. We will also be announcing dates & times for Just Walk Across the Room training classes.
THE FLOWER TEAM
POINSETTIA ORDERS If you would like to participate in decorating our sanctuary for the Christmas season check your Sunday Bulletin to place your Poinsettia order in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The cost of the Poinsettia is $12.00 and please place your completed order form in the offering plate or turn in to Mary in the Church Office. All orders must be accompanied with your payment by Sunday, November 29, 2009. You will be able to take your poinsettia home after the Christmas Eve Service on December 24, 2009.
DECORATE THE CHURCH Want to jumpstart your Advent preparation and Holiday spirit? Want to spend time with a fun bunch of folks after your Thanksgiving feasting, football overload and the crush of Black Friday? Make plans to be at CBC on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 10:00am to help the Flower Team decorate the church for the holidays. We will have holiday music, snacks, and great fellowship to really get you in the mood! All ages are welcome!
HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS
Hanging of the Greens Service Nov. 29, 2009 10:30 a.m.
Adventus, the Latin word for coming, is the root of our word Advent. In celebration of Christ’s first arrival in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago, and in expectation and preparation for His return we celebrate the Advent season. As part of our collective and personal preparation, the Celebration of the Greens service will be during the morning worship service on Sunday, November 29, the first Sunday of Advent. Plan to attend and enjoy this meaningful service. Tell your friends and neighbors, it is a wonderful way to begin your Advent season.
Nursery for ages newborn 4 years will be provided during the entire service. Children from Kindergarten and up are encouraged to stay and enjoy the service.
Chili, Carols, and Cookies- Dec. 20, 2009 5:00 8:00 p.m.
Start your holiday week off on the right note – join us for a Chili Supper in the Fellowship Hall followed by Caroling at Lexington Court and end the night with Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Singers of all age and ability are welcome make a joyful noise!
Longest Night Service Dec. 21, 7:00 8:00 p.m.
For many people, the approaching holidays are not a joyous time. For some people it is the most depressing time of year. The pain of lost family and friends is felt more sharply; losses of relationships, health, or jobs often cloud our minds. All of the colored lights, Christmas cookies and holiday feasts cannot overcome this darkness that surrounds us. Many of us need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone. The Longest Night worship service provides an opportunity to do that.
Join us on Monday, December 21 at 7:00 pm, for a time of special music, scripture, silent reflection, healing prayer and communion. If you know those whose Christmas joy is mixed with pain, please invite them to join us at the Longest Night service. Everyone is welcome. Nursery (ages newborn to 3yrs.) provided by prior request.
Christmas Eve Candlelight service Dec. 24, 5:00 6:00 p.m.
Make your holiday season complete by celebrating the true meaning of Christmas – Bring your family, invite your friends and neighbors, and share the light. All ages welcome – No Nursery provided.
MEN‘S MINISTRY
MEN‘S BIBLE STUDY
Every Monday morning 17 men arrive at Cambridge at 6:30 A.M. to participate in the Men’s Bible Study. Despite the early hour there is lively participation in the study of James.
We always have plenty of strong coffee and occasionally a hardy breakfast, so if you are up early, come and join us!
The Men‘s Ministry Lunch Groups will meet as follows for the month of November.
Please mark your calendar and bring a friend.
Midtown Men‘s Lunch Group will meet at Extra Billy’s, 5205 West Broad Street on Tuesday, November 17 at 11:45 a.m.
Downtown Men‘s Lunch Group will meet at Peking 1302 E. Cary Street on Thursday, November 24 at 11:45 a.m.
Romeo Lunch Group meets the last Thursday of the month at 12:00 p.m. at a rotating location Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday this month, they will meet on Thursday, November 19 at the The Daily Grind in Short Pump (cycle is Daily Grind/Tony’s/Captain D’s). Contact George Fleshman at with any questions.
CAMBRIDGE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
LEXINGTON COURT MINISTRY
The residents of Lexington Court enjoyed the October birthday party. Some of the youth came out to help, and on Sunday, November 22nd the Young Adult Sunday School Class will be volunteering.
On Sunday, November 29th, we will begin collecting Christmas gifts to be given to the residents at their annual Santa Party . Please watch the weekly bulletin for an insert listing appropriate gifts to be given.
Thanks to everyone who participates in our ministry at Lexington Court.
Rita Gregory, Coordinator
Lexington Court Ministry
IT‘S TIME TO GATHER NEW TOYS AND CLOTHING FOR THE 2009 CHURCH HILL CHRISTMAS STORE!
Can you imagine a household with children, but with no presents on Christmas morning? We at Cambridge have the opportunity to again participate in bringing joy to those children whose parents are unable to afford gifts. Please be generous in bringing items for the Christmas store .
We call it a Christmas Store because the items are not simply given away. A small amount is charged for each child, entitling the parents to select toys and clothing. The money collected is used in a neighborhood fuel assistance fund.
We need gifts for children ages birth through 12 years. (The Center reports shortages for 7 10 year olds.)
Suggestions:
- Clothing (including jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, sleepwear, hats, gloves, socks, underwear)
- Games
- Toys (Please go easy on stuffed animals and Barbies.)
- Books
- Bicycles and helmets
In other words, purchase gifts you would want your child to receive. Do not wrap the gifts, however donations of wrapping paper are appreciated.
Sunday, November 29 is the deadline to donate. Let’s fill up the box in the Commons.
If you would like to volunteer at the store, please contact Glinda Ford. Set up is Dec. 4, shopper assistance on Dec. 5.
PERU MISSION TRIPS
It is now time to start planning for the 2010 Trips to Peru. Cambridge is now planning to lead three of these trips. A brief recap of each of these trips is given below.
January 02-10, 2010 This trip is scheduled at a time when most college students will still be on break. The emphasis of this trip will be to encourage and support the Bible studies in the towns of Usibamba and San Jose DeQuero. There is a possibility of a marriage ceremony and a public baptism for Believers during this time. We need to pray for God to raise up native leaders in each of these towns.
April 03-11, 2010 This trip is scheduled during our public school Spring Break. The emphasis of this trip will be to develop stronger relationships with current Christians and encourage them. Some thought is being given as to spending time with a family as they tend flocks and grow crops in the fields. It would be good to better appreciate the daily needs of the natives. There is a need to re-visit the kindergartens and take them construction paper and pencils.
November 13-21, 2010 This trip will be a medical emphasis trip. We plan to have one dentist and one doctor on this trip. The dentist will be extracting teeth and the doctor will go into the elementary schools to conduct preliminary medical screenings of the students. A support staff of one or two will be required for each of the doctors.
Please be praying for members who have been to Peru before to be willing to take on a logistics coordinator role. This person will be basically in charge of paying the bills. Of course, plane tickets and insurance would be purchased prior to leaving on the trip. I will be responsible for developing the budget and arranging for transportation and drivers. Our Missions Committee will budget some funds for these trips but each member will be required to provide their own expenses after the first $600. It is estimated that the total trip costs will range between $1200 and $1500. Perhaps some of you who cannot actually go to Peru would be willing to provide gifts to the Peru Fund that would enable someone else to go. Should you need a new passport or need an updated passport, don’t wait to get the process started. The entire process needs to be bathed in prayer, please be a prayer partner
Should you have comments or questions, please contact George Fleshman. Parents, this will be a great opportunity to take your child on a mission trip so that missions can be seen in action.
George Fleshman
Cambridge Baptist Church Missions Committee
International Missions Coordinator
OFF CAMPUS SMALL GROUP
The Off Campus Small Group will next meet on Monday, November 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Wanda and Danny Journey. Their meetings have changed this year to the second and fourth Monday’s of each month.
The following are their planned meeting dates for the rest of 2009 at 7:30 p.m. on each of these nights:
November 09, 2009
November 23, 2009
December 14, 2009
STEWARDSHIP TEAM
Dear Cambridge Family,
Especially during these challenging economic times we pray that we will all be good stewards of What God has blessed us with our earthly treasures as well as our time and our talents.
Please be in prayer as we seek God’s guidance for Cambridge during this difficult time and that our budget will be a reflection of our mission statement and our commitment to Him and His work.
Joyce Layton, Stewardship Team
WOMEN‘S MINISTRY
IT‘S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN The Women‘s Ministry study of Esther by Beth Moore on Wednesday nights from 7 8 p.m. We are currently in week 3 of the study. Lifeway “Beth Moore’s newest Bible study is Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman. Going up against heavyweights bent on her destruction, Esther trusted God and landed a blow that saved her people. The Old Testament story of Esther is a profile in courage and contains many modern parallels for today’s woman. Esther’s destiny can be yours as you know more deeply the God who is in your corner. Contact Michelle Banholzer if you need more information or have any questions.
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Cambridge Baptist Church Youth 2009 Fall Schedule (Mark Your Calendars Now!!!)
Rev. Win Davis Pastor to Youth & Young Adults
We may add other events/ mission projects as opportunities become available.
November 2009
Sunday School (beginning with breakfast fellowship) every Sunday from 9:15 AM- 10:25 AM and Worship from 10:30 AM 11:45 AM.
1: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
4: Dinner Fellowship Wed Night Bible Study
8: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
11: Dinner Fellowship/Wed Night Bible Study
13: Camp Out/NBA w/ Ragland Youth Leave 5:00 PM Friday-
14: Return 1:00PM Sat
15: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
18: Thanksgiving Dinner fellowship/Wed Night Bible Study
22: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
25: NO YOUTH activities Happy Thanksgiving!
29: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
December 2009
Sunday School (beginning with breakfast fellowship) every Sunday from 9:15 AM- 10:25 AM and Worship from 10:30 AM 11:45 AM.
2: Dinner Fellowship Wed Night Bible Study
6: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
9: Dinner Fellowship Wed Night Bible Study
12: NBA ministry/lunch at Red Robin. (8 AM- 2 PM) ($ for lunch)
13: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
16: Christmas Dinner Fellowship Wed Night Bible Study
20: Chili, Carols, and Cookies begins at 5:00 PM
27: Celebration 6:33 Contemporary Worship Service begins at 6:33 PM
30 Jan 1: Winterfest @ Liberty. Leave CBC 10 AM Wed/return Jan 1approx Noon – cost $85
Major Retreat Schedule 2010 (Mark Your Calendar Now!!!)
January 29-30: Acquire the Fire Richmond ($50.00 for food/ lodging) (tickets to event were donated)
Feb 12-14: Disciple Now!
April 3-7: World Changers mission trip ($100.00) Charleston, South Carolina (spring break)
July 12-16: SBCV STUDENTZ Camp at Liberty University ($225.00)
August ???: African Mission Trip to Christ Church Orphanage (young adults only)
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
Dear Cambridge Family,
Thank you so much for all the prayers and support during our time of terrible loss. The flowers were beautiful. We hope to replace our sorrow with the wonderful memories George left us all.
Love, Sheri Thomas
PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY IN CHRIST
Please be in prayer for the following Cambridge Family members and let them know you care by contacting them in whatever way you feel appropriate: Shirley Patterson,
Vanessa McKenzie, Ernestine Harris, Debbie Davis, Patsy Ballance, Georgia Morgan, Angelia King, Kandra Brummett, Janet Sheriff, Judy Offenback, Erin Anderson, Margaret Blanton, Anne Oxford, Cassidy Turner, Libby Benton, Ham Mitchell, Vernon Wesson, Vicki Olsen, Karen Hodges and George Thomas Family and our Shut-ins.
In addition, please keep in your prayers, Paula Fleshman, Pastor Jay‘s son, Brian, Lane Martin (Florence Walters grandson), Shirley Wagner (Brenda Young‘s sister), Norma Taylor (Geneva Mitchell‘s sister), Florence Bradley (Betty Wesson‘s Sister) and our Armed Forces.
Keep in your prayers Pattie Peele. You may send Pattie a card.
THE CAMBRIDGE DEACON FELLOWSHIP FOR 2009
- John McKenzie, Chairperson
- Geneva Mitchell, Vice Chairperson
- Kandra Brummett, Vice Chairperson
- Steve Bateson
- George Fleshman
- Peggy Jack
- Price McLean
If you have any personal or family needs or concerns that you want to discuss with someone from the church, please feel free to call any of the deacons at any time.